The fins on Yokohama tires help the vehicle becoming more economical

Be the uncommon thing, if the tire design affects the air resistance of vehicles, but it could happen for Yokohama, one of the Japanese tires manufacturers.

Image of normal tire (left) and aerodynamic tire with new fin pattern (right). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1jDwJJO)

The famous tires brand of Japan is introducing their new technology, ie the tires design with a series of subtle fins around a tire’s shoulder and have the function of to break the air flow which leads to the side of car's body and as well as the bottom.

Image of aerodynamic flow patterns for normal tire. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1jDwJJO)

The exterior design of the car determines how much air resistance obtained while driving, the lack of it can save the fuel. Typically, the car manufacturers design their cars with an aerodynamic-enhancing various elements so that air resistance is getting smaller, but rarely involve the tires.

Image of aerodynamic flow patterns for aerodynamic tire with new fin pattern. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1jDwJJO)

In its official statement, as quoted from Autoblog last week, Yokohama said the experiment put fins on tires has been done since 2012. The results were very satisfactory so the tires development continues. In the latest draft which assisted by the Institute of Fluid Science at Tohoku University produces new fin shape with a maximum performance when the tire spinning.

Even so, how big the effect of the use of this innovative technology to reduce vehicle barrier has not been explained. Yokohama also did not reveal whether it will produced. The prototype of tire with a series of subtle fins will be introduced by Yokohama at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015 at the end of October. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YOKOHAMA | GIZMODO | AUTOBLOG]

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The future of Suzuki Hayabusa

Ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, news emerged about the Suzuki Hayabusa. Motorcycle premium ordained the fastest motorcycles in the world reportedly will appear in a new face and use the new engine as well.

2015 Suzuki Hayabusa - GSX1300R. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Md8f6F)

As usual Young Machine, a Japanese magazine that always delivers digital engineering for the new models that will emerge, including the violent Suzuki Hayabusa. From the pictures released as a magazine cover, it appears Hayabusa borrow a little look of GSX-1300R.

Its side section similar to the old Hayabusa, but with a different touch on the air grille. Nearly all identical parts, including the larger body. The most interesting are the looks that uses LED as DRL with elongated lines as a single eyebrow.

The latest look of Suzuki Hayabusa is attached as the cover of the Japanese magazine Young Machine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1MWm6Nv)

As the rumors blow, such as exhaled by Young Machine, that Suzuki will increase the capacity of the machine from the current 1,340 cc to 1,500 cc. There is no definite information, but if true, Hayabusa will overstep the toughest rival today that Kawasaki ZZR-1400. Of course, the chassis will be revised, as well as the overall setting. Here is today Suzuki Hayabusa - GSX 1300R.

Not only Hayabusa, Suzuki is also preparing another surprise at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, including several concepts such as GSX and V-Strom 250. Besides, rumor has it that this motor will be released in the second or third quarter in 2016. And predicted, will be along to dealers in 2017. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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Toyota Kikai: A Dream Machine Brought to Life by Design

Mechanical Poetry - Sometimes, car design can feel a bit too serious. Sleek silhouettes, precision aerodynamics, and tech-laden dashboards dominate the headlines. But every now and then, a breath of fresh creativity comes along to remind us that cars can also be fun, imaginative, and even a little playful. That was exactly the feeling when Toyota showcased the Camatte Hajime at the Tokyo Toy Show in June 2015—a cute, toy-like concept that looked as if it had rolled straight out of a child’s imagination. But that wasn’t the end of the story. Just a few months later, Toyota revealed another bold creation that pushed the envelope even further: the Toyota Kikai Concept.

The Toyota Kikai Concept made its debut at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: OtoDetik)

If the Camatte felt like a colorful toy for the road, then the Kikai took things in a whole new direction. This wasn’t just about a fun shape—it was a celebration of the machine itself. Toyota broke away from the norm and decided to show off what other cars usually hide. Instead of covering mechanical components with sleek panels and polished interiors, the Kikai lays them bare. Fuel tanks, suspension arms, and even exhaust pipes are proudly exposed like pieces of industrial art, giving the car an entirely different character—more workshop than showroom, more soul than shell.

Front three quarter view of the Toyota Kikai Concept. (Picture from: Autocar)

Built with a minimalist architecture, the Kikai only accommodates three people. One seat is placed front and center for the driver, with the steering wheel positioned like in a race car—right in the middle. Behind the driver, two seats complete the triangular arrangement, making it feel more like a pilot and co-pilots rather than a traditional car setup. This configuration offers not just a new kind of visibility, but a whole new way of experiencing driving—more intimate, more connected, more deliberate.

Left side view of the Toyota Kikai Concept. (Picture from: Autocar)

The word Kikai means "machine" in Japanese, and the name couldn't be more fitting. It strips away pretense and shines a spotlight on the honest, functional side of automotive design. And while most manufacturers might shy away from showing off their engineering bits, Toyota makes them the star of the show. The result is a car that doesn’t just run—it expresses itself through its exposed framework, its moving parts, and its structural honesty. 

Dashboard view of the Toyota Kikai Concept. (Picture from: Autocar)

Toyota made it clear that the Kikai isn’t meant for production, at least not in the conventional sense. It exists more as a creative vision—an exploration of design, form, and what it means to truly appreciate craftsmanship. This idea is rooted deeply in the Japanese concept of Monozukuri, or the spirit of making things with dedication, detail, and pride. With the Kikai, that philosophy comes to life in every bolt and bracket, turning mechanical engineering into a kind of kinetic art. 

Rear side view of the Toyota Kikai Concept. (Picture from: Autocar)

At the time it was revealed, the Kikai hadn't even fully materialized as a physical vehicle. It lived mainly through renderings and design studies, but that didn’t stop it from making an impression. Its message was clear: even a small, simple machine can carry big meaning. You don’t need excessive horsepower or luxury features to make a car memorable—sometimes, all it takes is a willingness to rethink what a car can be.

From the playful spirit of the Camatte to the bare-boned brilliance of the Kikai, Toyota has shown that creativity still has a firm place in the world of automotive design. And while the Kikai may never roll off a production line, it leaves behind something just as valuable: inspiration. *** [EKA [25102015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | BBC ]

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This Swimsuit can absorb water pollution

Californian scientists managed to create nanosponge absorbent material that can be sewn into a swimsuit and wetsuit to absorb water pollution while its wearer swims.

Image source.

Swimsuit padded with sucrose-based material is water-repellent, but suck harmful contaminants. Cengiz Ozkan and Mihri Ozkan, are a married couple who find such material. Their discovery won an international competition and will patented technology this week in Rome.

"The material can be sewn into a swimsuit that can clean water for its swimming," said Mihri Ozkan, a professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of California. Ozkan said she and her husband had brought the material studied for almost four years and was inspired to design new ways to clean up oil spills in the ocean.

The bikini's pollution-absorbing Sponge inserts. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1W6VgrP)

This swimsuit is made of a 3D printing flexible plastic and contain sugar-based substance called sponge. Such materials are porous and can absorb contaminants up to 25 times its weight. When the sponge is full, sponge should be removed from clothing and heated to 1,000 ºC (1,832 ºF) to melt the material. Contaminants are removed, and the remainder is recycled into a new sponge.

The elastic base of the bikini, minus its pollution-absorbing inserts. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1W6VgrP)

"This sponge material made from sugar, so friendly to the environment," said Mihri Ozkan. All sorts of contaminants will be collected by the sponge and trapped in nanoporous architecture of the sponge, and will not touch its skin.

It weighs less than two ounces designed, and as thin as a hair. They hopes that clothing can be mass-produced, because the price is quite cheap. "Our goal, so that in the future everyone can contribute to the cleanliness of the sea through sporting activities or just a summer vacation.". *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GIZMAG | TAKEPART.COM]

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A Yamaha retro concept motorbike for beginners

One of the concept models that will be brought by Yamaha at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, that will held at October 29 - November 8, is a motorcycle design is similar to the Yamaha SR400 named 'Yamaha Resonator 125'.

Yamaha Resonator 125 Concept. (PIcture from: http://glo.bo/1LZ68gk)

Yamaha Resonator 125 is a retro café racer motorcycle concept with a compact air-cooled single-cylinder fuel injection engine that is similar in appearance to the  engine construction of Yamaha Saluto 125cc for the Indian market.

Front three quarter of Yamaha Resonator 125 Concept. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1PsEHlX)

The Resonator name is taken to show the Yamaha connection as a musical instrument maker. This is confirmed by the gas tank chrome accents, and contrasting with the rear panels of wood fiber texture similar to an acoustic guitar.

Engine view of Yamaha Resonator 125 Concept. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1PsEHlX)

Here are several pictures of Yamaha Resonator 125. (All pictures taken from: http://bit.ly/1PsEHlX)

Not only that, Resonator given a touch of engraving techniques as well as custom motorcycle attached to some brass components such as the lid of the tank and the exhaust.

An old-school café racer style that carried by Yamaha Resonator 125 combined with modern instruments as well as printed on the front by using design as thin smartphone includes a digital camera can be put above the headlamps. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VEHICLE NEWS]

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The most ridiculous car design

Various automotive companies more incentive to design new cars more innovative and futuristic. Not surprisingly, they also want to be called the best car. But did you know, at this time there is a car that can be called the worst car design in the world?

1951 Hoffman Auto-Kabine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1klzv6M)

Yes, the car that bears the title of worst seems to fall on an old microcar called 'Hoffman Auto-Kabine'. This microcar produced in the period between 1949-1951 is indeed a relatively eccentric design and the car is said to have an asymmetrical design.

Dashboard view of 1951 Hoffman Auto-Kabine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1jR2mPH)

According to Microcarmuseum, M Hoffman made the microcar has been equipped with a single cylinder engine capacity of 200 cc which is only capable of generating power up to 6.5 hp. The engine power is mated to a three-speed manual transmission to drive the wheele and claimed to be able to run up to 45 km/h.

Engine view of 1951 Hoffman Auto-Kabine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1jR2mPH)

The engine which drives the single rear wheel is mounted on a cradle which pivots on a kingpin in the centre of the vehicle’s triangular frame. A complicated lever mechanism operates the steering and takes up so much room that the originally intended bench seat had to be replaced with two small individual seats for the driver and single passenger.

Rear view of 1951 Hoffman Auto-Kabine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1jR2mPH)

The combination of a wide front track, a very short wheelbase and the rear-wheel steering was a recipe for disaster for having any sort of control and stability other than at low speeds.

If you’ve ever driven a forklift truck at high speed, you will understand the Hoffmann’s handling characteristics. A total of 100 Auto-Kabines were produced at a cost of $690. They are worth a lot of money today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | MICROCAR MUSEUM| HAGERTY]

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